Faith, Providence, and the Journey of Renewal

 

Summary

In this conversation, I had the privilege of sharing my journey and experiences, both personal and professional, with Nathan W. Bingham from Ligonier Ministries. Reflecting on my path, I am deeply grateful for the providence of God that has guided me to my current role as the host of "Renewing Your Mind" and Vice President of Broadcasting at Ligonier. My upbringing in Florida, under the nurturing guidance of my parents, laid a strong foundation in the Christian faith, although my journey was not without its detours. God's grace and mercy have been constant companions, leading me back to a deeper relationship with Him.

My family, including my wife Donna and our four children, has been a source of immense joy and blessing. Our spiritual growth was significantly influenced by our transition to a Reformed church, where the teachings of Dr. R.C. Sproul played a pivotal role. His ability to simplify complex theological concepts resonated with me and sparked a profound transformation in my understanding of God.

Professionally, my career in journalism began with a passion for broadcasting, inspired by family connections and a love for storytelling. Over the years, I have witnessed the challenges and biases within the media industry, particularly against conservative Christian perspectives. This realization led me to embrace a Christian worldview in my work, striving to report news with eternal significance.

The events of September 11, 2001, marked a defining moment in my career, as I reported live during the unfolding tragedy. It was a day that tested my skills and faith, leaving an indelible impact on my life. Now, as I serve at Ligonier, I am excited about the opportunities to share the transformative power of Reformed theology through various media platforms, including RefNet and "Renewing Your Mind."

Key Takeaways:

- God's providence is evident in the journey of faith, guiding us through life's detours and leading us back to Him. This assurance of His grace and mercy is a source of strength and gratitude. [02:27]

- The teachings of Dr. R.C. Sproul have a profound impact on understanding complex theological concepts, making them accessible and transformative for personal spiritual growth. [07:33]

- Embracing a Christian worldview in professional life, particularly in journalism, challenges the biases of mainstream media and highlights the importance of reporting news with eternal significance. [11:23]

- The events of September 11, 2001, serve as a reminder of the gravity of historical moments and the role of faith and professionalism in navigating such crises. [25:31]

- Being grounded in a local church is vital for spiritual growth, providing a community where theology is lived out and where believers can serve and grow in their faith. [44:00]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - Introduction of Lee Webb
[00:55] - Lee Webb's Background and Family
[04:30] - Influence of Ligonier Ministries
[08:42] - Journey into Journalism
[12:47] - Christian Worldview in Journalism
[19:02] - Impact of Dr. Sproul's Teachings
[22:16] - Reporting on September 11, 2001
[26:32] - Role at Ligonier Ministries
[29:29] - Distinctiveness of Renewing Your Mind
[33:53] - Practicality of Doctrine
[36:08] - Future of Renewing Your Mind
[38:26] - RefNet and International Influence
[41:47] - Connecting with Listeners
[43:12] - Importance of Local Church Connection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 12:1-2
2. Proverbs 16:16

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Observation Questions:

1. How did Lee Webb describe the influence of Dr. R.C. Sproul's teachings on his spiritual growth? [07:33]
2. What was the significant impact of the events of September 11, 2001, on Lee Webb's career and faith? [25:31]
3. How does Lee Webb describe the role of a Christian worldview in his journalism career? [11:23]
4. What does Lee Webb say about the importance of being grounded in a local church? [44:00]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In Romans 12:1-2, Paul talks about being transformed by the renewing of your mind. How does this concept relate to Lee Webb's experience with Reformed theology and its impact on his life? [31:36]
2. Proverbs 16:16 emphasizes the value of wisdom over material wealth. How does this align with Lee Webb's perspective on the current state of broadcast journalism? [15:24]
3. How does Lee Webb's journey reflect the idea of God's providence guiding one's life, as mentioned in the sermon summary? [02:27]
4. What role does the local church play in the spiritual growth of believers, according to Lee Webb's experiences and the sermon summary? [44:00]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a detour in your faith journey. How did you see God's providence guiding you back to Him? [02:27]
2. Dr. R.C. Sproul's teachings simplified complex theological concepts for Lee Webb. Is there a theological concept you find challenging? How can you seek to understand it better? [07:33]
3. Lee Webb embraced a Christian worldview in his journalism career. How can you incorporate a Christian worldview into your professional life? [11:23]
4. The events of September 11, 2001, were a defining moment for Lee Webb. Can you recall a significant event that tested your faith? How did you navigate it? [25:31]
5. Lee Webb emphasizes the importance of being part of a local church. How connected are you to your local church community, and what steps can you take to deepen that connection? [44:00]
6. Romans 12:2 talks about not conforming to the world. What are some areas in your life where you feel pressured to conform, and how can you resist that pressure?
7. Proverbs 16:16 highlights the value of wisdom. What practical steps can you take this week to prioritize gaining wisdom over material pursuits? [15:24]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Providence in Our Journey of Faith
God's providence is a guiding force in our lives, leading us through various detours and bringing us back to Him. This journey is marked by His grace and mercy, which are constant companions even when we stray. Recognizing God's hand in our lives can fill us with strength and gratitude, knowing that He is always working for our good. As we reflect on our own paths, we can see how God has been present in both the challenges and the blessings, shaping us into who we are today. [02:27]

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)

Reflection: Think about a recent detour in your life. How can you see God's providence at work in that situation, and how might it be leading you closer to Him today?


Day 2: The Transformative Power of Dr. R.C. Sproul's Teachings
The teachings of Dr. R.C. Sproul have a profound impact on understanding complex theological concepts, making them accessible and transformative for personal spiritual growth. His ability to simplify deep theological truths has helped many believers deepen their relationship with God. By engaging with these teachings, individuals can experience a renewed understanding of their faith, leading to a more profound spiritual transformation. This transformation is not just intellectual but also practical, influencing how believers live out their faith daily. [07:33]

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a complex theological concept that you struggle with. How can you seek out resources or teachings, like those of Dr. R.C. Sproul, to gain a clearer understanding and apply it to your life?


Day 3: Embracing a Christian Worldview in Journalism
Embracing a Christian worldview in professional life, particularly in journalism, challenges the biases of mainstream media and highlights the importance of reporting news with eternal significance. This approach requires courage and conviction, as it often goes against the prevailing narratives. By integrating faith into their work, individuals can offer a perspective that is rooted in truth and hope, providing a counter-narrative to the often negative and biased reporting found in the media. This commitment to truth-telling is a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. [11:23]

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: In your own work or daily interactions, how can you incorporate a Christian worldview to challenge biases and offer a perspective of hope and truth?


Day 4: Faith and Professionalism in Historical Moments
The events of September 11, 2001, serve as a reminder of the gravity of historical moments and the role of faith and professionalism in navigating such crises. These moments test our skills and faith, leaving a lasting impact on our lives. By relying on faith, individuals can find strength and resilience to face the challenges that arise during such times. Professionalism, coupled with a strong faith foundation, allows individuals to respond with integrity and compassion, providing a beacon of hope in the midst of chaos. [25:31]

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a challenging moment in your life where your faith was tested. How did your faith and professionalism help you navigate that situation, and what did you learn from it?


Day 5: The Importance of Being Grounded in a Local Church
Being grounded in a local church is vital for spiritual growth, providing a community where theology is lived out and where believers can serve and grow in their faith. The local church offers a supportive environment where individuals can learn, worship, and fellowship with others who share their beliefs. This community is essential for accountability, encouragement, and spiritual nourishment, helping believers to live out their faith in practical ways. By being actively involved in a local church, individuals can experience the fullness of Christian community and grow in their relationship with God. [44:00]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you become more actively involved in your local church community to enhance your spiritual growth and support others in their faith journey?

Quotes


God through his great Providence has allowed me to to to be here and to use any skills and talents and gifts that he's given me for the glory of God in this ministry uh who who am i u i uh was born and raised here in Florida so in many respects it's so good to be back in my home state. [00:01:37]

God in his great Providence and and his grace and mercy um brought me along and never gave up on me and for that I'm eternally grateful and um so I I'm I'm I'm I know I'm his I I know that I'm his forever and uh I'm grateful for his his grace and mercy in my life. [00:02:24]

My wife and I began to be concerned that we were not hearing the word of God from the pulpit each Sunday um I won't bore you with all the details there but suffice to say that uh in 1989 we felt compelled to leave our local church as well as the denomination and and after having met with a pastor we made that decision to leave. [00:05:10]

I quickly became a fan of of Dr sprouls, read the Holiness of God, began listening to more and more of his audio and video teachings and um I can say that early on Dr Sproul had a dramatic impact on on my life and the life of my family. [00:07:49]

I began to realize that that I didn't as a Christian that I didn't need to be behind the pulpit to be a minister of the Gospel that I could serve God uh in in my profession as a broadcast journalist as a news anchor and reporter. [00:11:18]

I think the way to fix it frankly is for us as Christians to begin turning it off that's may be a a strong statement but I really and and and this is what I would challenge our viewers to do is to sit in front of the television set tonight and and if you happen to watch one of the evening newscasts take an inventory. [00:14:02]

I remember being in in the dressing room and and ready to go out on the set uh and it was obvious by around 8:45 that this was more this was something other than an accident most of us at that time and I'm sure this was probably the case in Australia everywhere around the world that when we saw the the image of smoke bellowing from uh the first tower that we thought there was a just a tragic accident. [00:22:55]

I have to remind myself that uh it's far more important to to gain wisdom through uh this book in particular the Bible but also classic works of literature and I I uh I lament the fact that uh you know that many of us fail to to realize the importance of of reading good things good works of literature. [00:17:40]

I believe it's important to say that it's biblical in its its view of scripture and um so you know and I realize that when when I do when I host each of these broadcasts I realize that there are there are people out there just like you and me Nathan uh who have a story about coming to grips with with reformed teaching. [00:30:18]

Doctrine really is practical and the ultimate end of of Doctrine is is knowing god enjoying him and and living the the Christian life I couldn't say it better Nathan that that's a that's a great way of putting it it is quite practical and you begin to understand once you delve into these deep things of the Lord into this biblical Doctrine. [00:34:00]

I have had the privilege over the last 20 plus years to be a ruling Elder in in a local Congregation of the PCA and and um and I I believe it it's it's at that level that I began to see theology being worked out um what it means to be what it means to be a good dad a good husband uh to be um you know a servant leader in the workplace. [00:43:54]

Christ did not establish the church uh for as just you know a little organization that we're we're part of no it it's where the Christian Life is lived um and and I certainly adhere to the to the the three marks of the church where there there's faithful preaching of the word um the the serving of the elements partaking of of of communion and the right exercise of church discipline. [00:45:10]

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Transcript
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